New derivatives of licochalcone A were synthesized and evaluated for their potential anticancer activities. Compounds 6 ((E)-N-(4-(3-(5-bromo-4-hydroxy-2-methoxy phenyl) acryloyl) phenyl)-4-isopropylbenzamide) and 8 (1-(3-dimethylamino-phenyl)-3-(2-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-propenone) showed potent activity against the screened cancer cell lines with that of compound 6 ranging from 6.9 ± 0.2 μM to 22.9 ± 3.1 μM, and that of compound 8 from 4.2 ± 0.5 μM to 11.8 ± 0.7 μM. Both compounds showed stronger cytotoxicity than that of licochalcone A. These two candidates have very different substituents and could be considered as promising lead compounds for further development of potent anticancer agents.